Fitness for the festive season

Counteract festive indulgences with this speedy but super-effective routine

It's bad timing, isn't it? Holidays, being away from our fitness routine, lots and lots of scrumptious tucker that's a little heavier than usual, and possibly a little more beer and bubbly than normal, too. And all this during summer, when we want to look our best. Bugger! But don't worry, we have a solution.

This high-tempo workout can be done in less than 30 minutes but really packs a metabolic punch to help you counteract the silly season silliness. Don't give up on your fitness!

The workout

Your first step is to choose the appropriate challenge. Option A is advanced and Option C the easiest, but not easy, while Option B is somewhere in the middle. If you're not sure, start with Option A and see how you fare.

Your next step is to do the workout! You don't need to do all of the reps for an exercise in one go. That's not the idea. Instead, do a comfortable amount of an exercise (about 10-15 reps) and then move on to another. Have a notepad handy so you know where you are up to for each exercise. Keep whittling away the reps until you've finished them all.

To keep yourself honest, time how long the workout takes so you can challenge yourself to do better next time.

One-armed row

Sit-up

Push-up

Skipping

Silly Season Tips

I'm sure you're a busy Lizzie this time of year, so you need to make sure there is still an element of balance in your life.

Try to stick to three to five alcohol-free days a week.

If there are energy-heavy foods on offer at functions, make sure you carefully watch your portions.

If you are consuming more heavy and energy-dense foods than usual you may need some highly metabolic workouts. Increase the intensity of your workouts so you can stay looking and feeling good during this time of year.

If you're going away on holidays think about what exercise gear you can take. Your trainers, workout clothes and a skipping rope are a good start.

Sleep is something our bodies and minds crave, so if you are having later nights, look at when you can do some catch-up. Try not to have a consecutive run of short sleeps.

Our model

Kate Johnson, 28, is a model and graphic designer. She likes walking her dogs and strength training in her home gym.

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